Best Online Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs

A bachelor’s in journalism program can prepare learners for careers as reporters, feature and news writers, editors, and broadcast professionals. Students learn interview techniques and professional ethics as they dive into a craft valued by the United States since the ratification of the First Amendment.

Both on-campus and online bachelor’s in journalism programs typically require around 120 credits and take four years to complete. Most learners pay $47,000-$63,000 in total tuition.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 3% job decline for news analysts, reporters, and journalists between 2023 and 2033. These journalism professionals earned a median annual salary of $57,500 in 2023.

Read on to learn more about courses, careers, and admission requirements for prospective journalism students.

Journalism programs are a good fit for detail-oriented, curious, empathetic students with strong writing skills. If this description doesn’t fit you, don’t worry. You can develop these soft and hard skills during journalism programs through mindful practice and study.

Most journalism students are also passionate about the field. You generally don’t go into journalism for the money. Most students pursue journalism because they want to tell stories that make a difference, speak truth to power, and hold leadership accountable.

Nevertheless, according to the BLS, you can still pursue higher-paying careers with a journalism degree in adjacent fields like public relations.

Most bachelor’s in journalism programs require 120 credits, and students can graduate in approximately four years. Some programs include internships at news organizations. Most programs do not include concentrations but cover similar foundational areas, including ethics, reporting, interviewing, and writing.

Online programs often meet the needs of working professionals and adult learners. These programs sometimes deliver coursework asynchronously, eliminating set class times and allowing students to complete assignments around their own schedules. This format is a great fit for learners with family or professional commitments.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Often offered as an introductory course, basic news writing skills help ensure that students can handle the fundamentals of grammar, syntax, punctuation, and spelling.

Multimedia skills are essential in today’s journalism landscape, which extends far beyond print. Covered topics may include podcasts, broadcasts, videos, and streaming platforms.

Journalists frequently encounter ethical dilemmas in the field. Often using case studies, this course equips students with the skills needed to make the right decisions in those situations.

Some journalism graduates pursue careers in public relations, marketing, and strategic communication. This course covers basic methodology in integrated marketing campaigns to prepare learners for careers in those fields.

This course prepares learners to write and report articles for newspapers and other publications and organizations. Covered topics may include reporting ethics, interviewing techniques, and the value of news.

While the common narrative states that journalism majors aren’t in high demand, graduates can find plenty of professional opportunities. Between 2023 and 2033, the BLS projects 3% job decline for reporters and journalists.

Furthermore, during that same period, the BLS projects 5% growth for writers and authors, 6% growth for public relations specialists, and 4% growth for technical writers. Graduates with a bachelor’s in journalism can pursue all of these positions.

A bachelor’s degree-holder in journalism can expect to earn a median annual salary of about $50,000-$75,000. The job market is fairly competitive, as many people want to work as journalists. So a bachelor’s degree in the field can help you gain an advantage. Fewer people pursue journalism degrees than business degrees, for example, so the education can prove invaluable.

There will most likely be an Learn more about journalism careers..

Working under the guidance of a public relations manager, these professionals help craft an organization or individual’s public image. They may write or deliver speeches, run marketing campaigns, attend meetings and events, and travel with their clients. Journalism students can develop an adjacent set of skills that may help them thrive in this profession.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2023): $66,750

Reporters and journalists inform the public about news and current events. They might write for a newspaper or create segments for news shows. They may also write takeout or feature pieces that aren’t straight news to teach the public about the human condition.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2023): $57,500

These professionals create written content for different organizations and media. There are many different subfields within this profession. For example, authors write novels, nonfiction, and other types of books. Content writers create search engine optimization articles for companies and clients.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2023): $73,690

Technical writers create materials like instruction manuals, step-by-step and how-to guides, and other documents that make technical information easier to read. They often work full time in highly technical industries like information technology, computer science, and science.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2023): $80,050

Editors review content and make changes so that it is suitable for publication. They often work in offices and remotely for companies, journals, and publications. Some editors work freelance or as independent contractors.

Median Annual Salary: $75,020

The most common continuing education path for a bachelor’s degree-holder in journalism is pursuing a master’s degree in the field. A master’s degree can open the doors to leadership and editorial positions in newsrooms, magazines, and other news organizations. Furthermore, given how competitive journalism is, a master’s degree in the field can give you a leg up when seeking jobs.

Some graduates also choose to pivot and pursue a graduate degree in a field like strategic or media communications. These degrees can lead to high-paying positions in public relations and corporate communications.